As summer’s sweetness lingers in the air, the thought of a luscious Mango Sticky Rice pops into my mind, transporting me back to vibrant street markets filled with tantalizing aromas. Picture it: sticky, chewy rice glistening in rich coconut milk, perfectly paired with ripe, succulent mangoes that burst with flavor. Inspired by my love for both Thai and Filipino cuisines, I couldn’t resist the urge to infuse this classic dish with a fun twist—introducing ube for a striking purple hue and subtle nuttiness that complements the tropical notes perfectly!
This dessert is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight that’s surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a dinner party or simply indulge in a homemade treat, this Fusion Mango Sticky Rice with Ube is the answer to your cravings. So, let’s dive in and create a dish that promises to whisk you away to sun-drenched shores with every bite!
Why is Mango Sticky Rice a must-try?
Unique Fusion: This recipe blends traditional Thai flavors with a Filipino twist, featuring a vibrant ube component for that eye-catching color.
Easily Accessible: Most ingredients can be found at local grocery stores, making it easy to create at home.
Simple Steps: With just a few straightforward steps, you can create a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Its mix of textures and flavors will impress family and friends, making it perfect for any gathering.
Gluten-Free: Delight in a dessert that meets dietary needs without sacrificing flavor; this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
For a few more fun ideas on presenting this dish, check out our guide on creative dessert plating.
Mango Sticky Rice Ingredients
For the Rice
• Glutinous Rice – This rice is key to achieving the desired chewy texture; soaking overnight is essential for optimal results.
For the Coconut Sauce
• Coconut Milk – Use full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy texture and richness.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the coconut milk; feel free to adjust the amount based on your mangoes’ sweetness.
• Sea Salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors in this Mango Sticky Rice beautifully.
• Corn Starch – Aids in thickening the sauce to a silky consistency for drizzling.
• Room Temperature Water – Mix with corn starch to create a slurry for thickening the coconut sauce.
For the Ube (Optional)
• Ube Halaya – This vibrant purple yam adds flavor and color; you can also use ube extract if halaya is unavailable.
For the Toppings
• Ripe Mangoes – Use perfectly ripe mangoes for that luscious sweetness and vibrant color on top.
Now that we’ve gathered the ingredients, let’s start cooking and savoring this delicious fusion of flavors!
How to Make Mango Sticky Rice
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Soak Rice: Begin by rinsing the glutinous rice under cold water 3-4 times until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice overnight for 8-24 hours—this step is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.
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Steam Rice: After soaking, drain the rice and place it in a bamboo steamer lined with parchment paper. Steam for 20-25 minutes until the rice is translucent and has a chewy consistency.
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Prepare Coconut Milk Mixture: In a pan over medium-high heat, combine the full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and sea salt. Let it simmer until it comes to a boil, then reduce the heat to dissolve the sugar completely.
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Incorporate Ube: If you’re opting for a little extra flair, mix in the ube halaya or extract into the coconut milk mixture until fully blended.
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Combine Rice and Coconut Milk: Carefully add the steamed rice to the coconut mixture, stirring gently until the rice is fully absorbed and thickened—this should take about 4 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool briefly.
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Make Coconut Sauce: In another pan, heat more coconut milk and sugar. Then, thicken the mixture with a cornstarch slurry until it bubbles and reaches your desired consistency.
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Assemble Dessert: Slice the ripe mangoes into thin pieces. Portion the coconut rice onto serving dishes, top generously with sliced mangoes, drizzle with the thickened coconut sauce, and serve!
Optional: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Mango Sticky Rice delights are perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining! You can soak the glutinous rice up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it’s ready to steam when you need it. The coconut milk mixture can also be prepared 1-2 days ahead and refrigerated; just give it a good stir before using. For the best results, store the coconut rice and mango slices separately to prevent sogginess. When it’s time to serve, steam the pre-soaked rice and assemble the dessert as directed. This way, you’ll have a luscious dessert with minimal effort, just as delicious and beautifully presented as if you made it all in one go!
What to Serve with Mango Sticky Rice?
As you delight in the sweet, creamy goodness of this dessert, consider pairing it with complementary dishes that enhance the overall experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya adds a refreshing contrast and vibrant color to your meal.
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Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling these on top adds a delightful crunch and enhances the coconut flavor in the dish.
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Mango Sorbet: A scoop of this light and fruity sorbet will elevate the dessert to a new level, providing a cool, palate-cleansing effect.
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Thai Iced Tea: The creamy, spiced notes of this beverage balance the sweetness of the dessert, making for a perfect pairing.
The combination of textures and contrasting flavors can create an unforgettable meal experience! Don’t forget to invite friends and family to share in the fun.
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Dark Chocolate Squares: The richness of dark chocolate offers a luxurious touch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the rice.
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Chili-Lime Shrimp: Serving a zesty, slightly spicy shrimp dish alongside the sweet dessert creates an exciting balance and flavor journey.
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Coconut Cake: A slice of light and fluffy coconut cake rounds out the meal with its moistness and familiar flavors, making it a delightful option.
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Ginger Tea: End your meal on a warming note with a soothing cup of ginger tea, which pairs wonderfully with the dessert’s tropical flair.
How to Store and Freeze Mango Sticky Rice
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days to maintain freshness. The flavors will meld beautifully in this time!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the coconut rice in an airtight container for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating: To reheat, sprinkle the sticky rice with a little water, then microwave until warmed through. This helps restore some moisture.
Serving Fresh: Mango Sticky Rice is best enjoyed fresh, so consider making it right before serving for the optimal taste and texture!
Mango Sticky Rice Variations
Make this delightful dessert your own with these fun twists and substitutions!
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Ube Extract: If you can’t find ube halaya, opt for ube extract to infuse that lovely flavor and color into your coconut sauce.
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Vegan Option: Use agave syrup or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar to create a completely vegan dessert. It remains just as sweet and delicious!
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Berry Bliss: Change up the fruit topping with mixed berries like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing twist that adds a pop of color.
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Coconut Flakes: For an extra tropical touch, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
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Cinnamon Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the coconut milk mixture for an unexpected warmth that beautifully complements the mango’s sweetness.
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Savory Touch: Drizzle a bit of soy sauce over the mangoes for a sweet and salty fusion; it’s bold, surprising, and oh-so-delicious!
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Nutty Crunch: Top your dessert with crushed pistachios or almonds to introduce an enjoyable crunch that pairs elegantly with the soft, creamy textures.
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Chili Heat: Add a dash of chili powder or finely minced chili to the coconut sauce for those who enjoy a little heat—a delightful contrast to the sweetness!
Expert Tips for Mango Sticky Rice
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Soak Properly: Ensure you soak the glutinous rice overnight; this vital step prevents hardness and gives a delightful chewiness to your Mango Sticky Rice.
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Steam Correctly: Use a bamboo or metal steamer for best results. Avoid rice cookers, as they can overcook the rice and alter its perfect texture.
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently incorporate the steamed rice with the coconut milk to prevent it from becoming mushy. The texture should remain chewy and distinct.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste the coconut milk mixture before combining it with the rice; adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your ripe mangoes for the best balance.
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Serve Fresh: This dessert is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Letting it sit too long can affect the texture of the sticky rice.
Mango Sticky Rice with Ube Recipe FAQs
What kind of rice should I use for Mango Sticky Rice?
You should use glutinous rice, which is key to achieving that chewy texture essential for this dessert. Be sure to soak it overnight for optimal results; this process helps the rice cook evenly and become deliciously tender.
How do I store leftover Mango Sticky Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. The flavors actually meld nicely during this time. If you have any coconut sauce left over, keep it separately in another container.
Can I freeze Mango Sticky Rice?
Absolutely! You can freeze the coconut rice for up to 1 month in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat by sprinkling a little water over the rice and microwaving until warmed through, ensuring it stays moist.
What if my mangoes are not ripe enough?
If your mangoes aren’t perfectly ripe, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few days until they soften. Alternatively, you could try topping your sticky rice with other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a fresh twist.
Is this dessert suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, this Mango Sticky Rice is naturally gluten-free! However, if you’re making it for someone with allergies, be cautious with the coconut milk and sugar. Some brands may contain additives, so opt for pure, unrefined products for the best results.
Mango Sticky Rice with Ube: A Sweet Fusion Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak Rice: Rinse glutinous rice under cold water 3-4 times until water runs clear. Soak overnight for 8-24 hours.
- Steam Rice: Drain rice and place in bamboo steamer lined with parchment. Steam for 20-25 minutes until translucent and chewy.
- Prepare Coconut Milk Mixture: Combine coconut milk, granulated sugar, and sea salt in a pan over medium-high heat. Simmer until boiling, then lower heat to dissolve sugar.
- Incorporate Ube: Mix in ube halaya or extract into coconut milk mixture until fully blended.
- Combine Rice and Coconut Milk: Add steamed rice to coconut mixture, stirring gently until fully absorbed and thickened (about 4 minutes). Let cool briefly.
- Make Coconut Sauce: In another pan, heat more coconut milk and sugar. Thicken with cornstarch slurry until desired consistency.
- Assemble Dessert: Slice ripe mangoes. Portion coconut rice onto dishes, top with mango slices, drizzle with coconut sauce, and serve!